So I finally got a T7 a few months ago and I am super hyped because I'm heading to Zion National Park next month for some serious hiking! I really want to get those big epic landscape shots but the kit lens just isn't cutting it for the scale of the canyons and everything. I've been looking at two main options but I'm totally torn right now.
- Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM: Everyone says it's the go-to budget pick and it's super light which is great for the trails.
- Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 AT-X Pro: I heard this one is way better for low light and feels more solid but it's definitely heavier and more expensive.
My budget is strictly under $250 or maybe $300 if I find a good used deal because I already spent way too much on boots and camping gear for this trip lol. I'm leaning toward the Canon because of the image stabilization but I keep thinking that f/2.8 on the Tokina might be better if I try to do some stars at night? But then again the T7 doesn't have the best high ISO so maybe the aperture is more important? I need to pull the trigger by next week so it gets here in time for me to practice with it before we fly out. Is the Tokina worth the extra weight and price or should I just stick with the plastic fantastic Canon for a beginner?
Go for the Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM without a doubt! Honestly for hiking Zion youll hate carrying that heavy Tokina AT-X 11-16mm f/2.8 Pro DX II all day. It is way more practical for your first big trip.
- Its crazy light and fits your budget perfectly.
- Image stabilization is a lifesaver for handheld landscape shots.
- The colors are fantastic for those red rocks! Seriously, grab the Canon and dont look back!
